The Importance of Wellness-Focused Living Spaces and Our Commitment to Health Standards
What is a Healthier Home?
Can we simply assume that all homes are healthy? After all, we wouldn’t live in them otherwise, correct?
It’s wild to think that the average person spends around 90% of their life indoors. As a species, we are the only members of the animal kingdom who have chosen to remove ourselves from our natural habitat—nature. While rehoming ourselves into concrete jungles has its advantages, such as easy commutes and proximity to entertainment, our homes often lack the natural elements our bodies and minds crave.
Studies have shown that poor-quality homes and indoor air can significantly impact mental health, with long-term exposure to indoor pollutants contributing to anxiety, depression, and even cognitive issues. In this article, we uncover why our homes might be making us sick, the research proving this reality, and how THC Homes is committed to creating healthier living spaces.
Why Do We Need Healthier Homes?
The short answer is yes, we need healthier homes. Here are some common reasons why modern homes might be affecting our health:
Combatting Toxic Chemicals in Your Home
Our paints, carpets, sofas, and other furnishings emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air. Individually, these items are often deemed safe, but collectively, they create a cocktail of pollutants.
Think of it like fast food: a single Coke might fit into a balanced diet, but when paired with fast food for every meal, the long-term impact becomes harmful. Similarly, when all the materials in your home emit VOCs, the air quality suffers significantly.
Study on Indoor Air Quality
Research shows that UK homes often have indoor air pollution levels 3.5 times higher than outdoor levels due to VOCs from paints, furniture, and inadequate ventilation. (Source: AirQualityNews)
Why Ventilation is Key to a Healthier Home
High levels of pollutants in the air are exacerbated by poor ventilation. Without adequate airflow, stagnant air traps toxins, meaning we inhale them every day.
Interesting Fact: A Harvard study found that cooking with a gas stove can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma due to poor ventilation in kitchens. (Source: Harvard Study, Clean Air Hub)
Prolonged exposure to these pollutants can cause fatigue, headaches, and respiratory issues.
Reducing Noise for Mental and Physical Wellness
Noise pollution might be something you’ve never considered, but it can significantly affect your health. From urban traffic to noisy neighbours, chronic exposure to noise keeps the body’s stress response activated. Over time, this leads to heightened anxiety, mental fatigue, and even cardiovascular issues.
Research Highlights: Chronic noise exposure triggers the brain’s amygdala, increasing cortisol and adrenaline levels—the “fight or flight” hormones—leading to stress and vulnerability to health problems. (Source: Harvard Medicine Magazine, BrainFacts)
Combatting Dark & Draughty Spaces
Dark homes with poor design and insufficient natural light can impact mental health. Paired with draughty windows and doors, these spaces often feel cold and unwelcoming, increasing the likelihood of mold growth.
Mental Health Implications: Dark and damp environments, often found in older homes, have been linked to increased anxiety and depression. One study found that cold homes double the risk of developing new mental health issues. (Source: Friends of the Earth)
The Hidden Impact of Minimalist Designs
The trend of greys and neutrals has taken over modern homes, but does it support our wellness? Neutral tones may look sleek, but they lack the connection to nature that humans inherently crave. Research shows that natural materials like wood and organic textures significantly reduce stress and improve cognitive function.
Research on Biophilic Design: Incorporating natural materials like wood into indoor environments lowers stress, reduces blood pressure, and enhances mood. Studies even show wood’s presence can reduce stress more effectively than adding plants. (Source: Frontiers, ArchDaily)
Our Commitment to Healthier Homes
At THC Homes, we’ve dedicated ourselves to prioritising wellness in every design. Using sustainable practices and materials, we aim to create spaces that nurture your physical and mental health. Whether you’re embarking on a self-build or looking for ways to improve your current home, here are the methods we use to craft healthier living spaces:
Natural, Low-Toxicity Materials
We source natural or recycled materials and avoid high-VOC products to maintain clean and safe indoor air. For those improving their existing homes, we recommend identifying the most polluting items first—such as certain carpets or furniture—and gradually replacing them with healthier options.
Quieter Spaces
Triple glazing, wood fiber insulation, and acoustic sound boards absorb sound pollution, creating tranquil environments. For noisy neighbours, adding cork wall features or acoustic panels can significantly reduce sound transmission.
Efficient Ventilation
Homes need proper ventilation. An MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system continuously filters air, removing dust, pollutants, and allergens while maintaining an optimal indoor temperature. This ensures your home breathes without allowing moisture buildup that leads to mold and mildew.
Biophilic Design
Inspired by nature, our designs feature open-plan spaces, large windows for natural light, and natural materials like wood and stone. These elements foster a connection to nature, improving mental well-being and creating a calming atmosphere.
WELL Platinum Certification: Setting New Standards
The WELL Building Standard’s Platinum certification is the gold standard for wellness-focused spaces. While typically applied to commercial buildings, its principles align closely with THC Homes’ practices. This certification evaluates key elements such as air quality, light, and mental health-friendly designs, setting a benchmark for prioritizing human health.
We’re excited to explore how our homes can achieve this certification. Many of our current practices already exceed these standards, from air quality improvements to energy-efficient, nature-integrated designs.
How Does Your Home Compare?
In a world where people spend 90% of their time indoors, creating a healthier home isn’t just a trend—it’s essential. By combining wellness principles and sustainable practices, you can create a home that fosters health, happiness, and calm for your family.
For more information about our self-build homes, get in touch today at info@thchomes.co.uk
